Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Floodplains, bottomlands, and moist woodlands
Native States: Throughout much of eastern North America, including parts of northern Florida
Growing Zones: 2-9 (including 8a, 8b, 9a). It struggles in the far south of Florida, so 9b and higher are not ideal
Size at Maturity: 60-100 feet tall, with a spread of 40-70 feet
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast (in optimal conditions)
Growth Habit: Vase-shaped, spreading, open, woody
Bloom Season: Spring (before leaves emerge)
Bloom Color: Greenish-red to reddish-purple (inconspicuous)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers moist, well-drained loam
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (adaptable)
Moisture Requirements: Moist to average. Tolerates some flooding
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, park tree, street tree (where Dutch elm disease is not prevalent)
Maintenance Tips: Pruning to maintain structure and remove deadwood. Monitoring for Dutch elm disease and other pests.
Considerations: Highly susceptible to Dutch elm disease, which has decimated populations
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate. Older trees can be brittle
Erosion Control: Yes, due to its extensive root system
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Low (young trees are vulnerable)
Historical Medicinal Uses: Bark was used in traditional medicine for various ailments
Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions):
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) (in wetter areas)
Wildlife Benefit: Birds (nesting, seeds), mammals (seeds), many insects
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes
Several species, including Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)